Andrew Jackson

Grade

Draft Analysis:

6'1" Height

32 1/2" Arm Length

254LBS. Weight

9 1/2" Hands

Overview

Prepped in Florida. Did not play football as a sophomore in high school after he was arrested on an attempted burglary charge and completed nine months of community service. His high school coach contended Jackson was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and took the blame for friends. Dressed for just one game in 2010. Started all 12 games at middle linebacker in 2011, producing 109 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks with a pass breakup and a forced fumble. Was the Hilltoppers' leading tackler for the second straight season in 2012, when he started 12 of 13 games played at MLB and posted 122 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and two sacks with a pass breakup and four forced fumbles. Did not start against Louisiana Lafayette. Started 10 of 11 games played at middle linebacker in 2013 and totaled 95 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and one sack with two pass breakups. Did not start against South Alabama, then was suspended against Georgia State (violation of team rules). Was medically excluded at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Thickly built, especially through his trunk and lower body. Has ideal bulk to fit inside a 3-4. Physically strong tackler when hes able to square up and wrap. Intense, confident and competitive. Did not look out of place when WKU stepped up in competition. Productive three-year starter. Very good lateral agility displayed in 4.24-second 20-yard shuttle time at his pro day.

Weaknesses

Lacks ideal length. Thick, tight hips and heavy legs. Average eyes and instincts. Needs to improve hand use and shed ability. Lacks speed to track down ball carriers on the perimeter. Leaves some production on the field -- inconsistent tackler. Man-coverage limitations. Does not project as a core special-teams player. Is immature and needs to learn what it means to be professional. Weight tends to fluctuate.

Draft Projection

Rounds 5-6

Bottom Line

A stout, physical, downhill thumper with eventual-starter potential inside a 3-4 front where he's protected and able to attack the ball. However, suspect character and work ethic make him a risky investment, and he'd be best served in a locker room with a strong veteran presence.
-Nolan Nawrocki